Since I started this blog two years ago, I have offered the occasional wedding photography tip for those couples looking for a wedding photographer. I have even written a fairly comprehensive list of what to look for when interviewing a photographer who will capture your wedding day memories.

Someone recently asked me what I believe are the 3 most important things when looking for a wedding photographer. And since they asked, here they are:

#1 – PERSONALITY

Do not underestimate this one.

Many couples I have spoken to have told me this is the number one reason they hired their photographer. Why? You will spend anwhere from 6 to 16 hours with this person – they will see you when you are most vulnerable, be exposed to your family and friends – and they will be an integral part of your wedding day.

Ask yourself:

• Can I actually spend my whole wedding day with this person?
• Are they both friendly and professional at the same time?
• Does the photographer listen to me?
• How does the photographer deal with difficult and stressful wedding day situations?
• Is this someone I could actually call a “friend” one day?

The assumption here is that the photographer(s) you are interviewing are technically and artistically competent.

#2 – DO YOU LIKE LOVE THEIR WORK?

You do not need to like your photographer’s work – you must love it!

You will spend an extraordinary amount of time, energy and money putting together your wedding. Don’t you deserve to have your wedding day captured the way you want?

#3 – PRICE

OK – let’s face it – not everyone has an unlimited budget for their wedding. Determine how much you want to spend on wedding photography (and related items such as prints, albums, etc.) and stick to your budget. If you *love* a photographer because of their work or personality (or hopefully, both) and they are a stretch financially, cut back on something else and hire that photographer. Really. You’ll be grateful you did after your wedding day as wedding photography is one of the few tangible things you will purchase to remember your day. Realistically, one needs to spend about 15% of their entire wedding day budget on photography.

Feel free to leave a comment with your own thoughts.

Be well.

Roël